April 1st is the unofficial deadline for the San Francisco 49ers' possibility of trading Brandon Aiyuk. That date signals an option due in his contract that requires his employer to pay $22.85 million. There has been some trade chatter surrounding the star receiver over the past couple of weeks, but the Pittsburgh Steelers don't seem as likely of a landing spot as last offseason.
Aiyuk nearly joined the Steelers via trade last offseason as he sought a new contract. Just before being traded to Pittsburgh, Aiyuk re-signed with the 49ers. The star receiver not ending up with the Steelers made general manager Omar Khan seem foolish. After his 2024 season got cut short due to injury, San Francisco might be willing to trade Aiyuk again.
Experts believe the star receiver won't return from last season's injury until the middle of this upcoming campaign. If the 49ers do move Aiyuk and his massive contract, they must be willing to take a hit. The Steelers would be crazy to take on his entire contract while he works his way back from injury. No one knows if he will be the same once he returns to the field.
Bleacher Report's latest mock trade has Khan pulling off another blockbuster.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock trade lands Brandon Aiyuk in blockbuster move
This mock trade would break the internet if it became a reality. Khan would be bold to take on Aiyuk's cap hit, but it would also secure a solid receiving duo of Aiyuk and D.K. Metcalf for seasons to come. That would be a dynamic tandem to have on your offense. With question marks continuing to surround the Steelers' quarterback position, they need good receivers.
It doesn't seem wise to pay George Pickens a massive amount of money on his next contract. Pittsburgh would move him onto another team while they believe Aiyuk can return to form. Forcing the 49ers to eat some of Aiyuk's contract would make this even sweeter. Khan doesn't easily forget the past, and this mock trade exposes that he wants to right his wrongs from last year.
READ MORE: 3 trade destinations for George Pickens if Steelers move toxic wide receiver
Moving on from Pickens might be a bold decision, but the Steelers may not want to extend him. That could cause headaches this preseason and possibly leak into the regular season. They get out of his potential contract dispute and acquire a proven receiver in the NFL who's under contract for a while longer. It could be the best outcome for both sides.
Moving on from the talented receiver is a bitter pill to swallow after the potential he has shown, but it's now or never.
Upgrading your fifth-round pick to a third-rounder in the upcoming draft is also fantastic, considering the loss of their second-round choice in the Metcalf trade. They could add a quality player toward the top of this draft class.
The Steelers want to be all-in, and adding Aiyuk to their roster while they wait for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision could boost their chances of finally winning a playoff game in 2025.